Just been to my GP and had a wonderful discussion on osteoporosis amongst other health issues.
She was interested in this group and what we are achieving by our joint efforts to research and share our experiences.
She even put up patient site.
She uses it for her own research but she is time poor with two toddlers as well as working.
She said she has equal number of patients pro and anti the drugs and for the reasons stated by us on here.
She is interested to know what we are achieving and feed back to her for her to share with other doctors.
She has already done that with my information about the issue of extractions and the test to check safety of having teeth removed.
So lucky to have such an open minded and caring doctor.
I came away feeling so buoyed and confident.
Hi Kathleen,
Wow you are so lucky to have such an empathic GP. The one I'm seeing is useless, and basically tells me that the internet is not a good thing for us to be searching medical information on, and inferred I am a bit of a 'drama Queen'!! in making all this fuss!!!! 
That I should just be taking the meds as suggested She didn't even check my notes when I had said months ago that I was no longer taking the AA. The Rheumatologist I saw as you probably read on the thread, was equally dismissive and indicated my research was a load of toss!!!!! I'll be interested as to other people's experiences. So glad you came away so buoyed up 
Kind Regards Carrie
That is so unfair! Mine wants to know my findings. It must make a huge difference to have a great GP. I am so lucky.
I think if she was not like that I would be a bit depressed.
I am also lucky with my specialist. I was his first patient as a specialist and he diagnosed my Crohns and has managed it for over ten years. I can email him and he gets straight back to me with advice.
My GP even said to discuss my back with him as the issue with the sacroiliac could be connected to the Crohns.
Teachers know that students also teach so doctors should know that patients have something to offer as well.
i'm afraid I chickened out and didnt tell the rheum that I didnt take the yearly injection he had prescribed; however, if he had bothered to read his notes he would have seen that I did not keep my outpatients appointment
.
Apart from that he is good; he diagnosed sjogren's just by my symptons and blood test confirmed, he also sent me to get a dexa without being asked. and asked me to have follow up visits every 4 months initially (for sjogren's) and then tapering out if no further issues.
He also recommended urgent visits to opthamologist and dentist.( part of sjogren's precautions)
As I live in the middle east we dont have GPs just specialists in hospitals from the word 'go' (u make your own appointments to see a specialist) Big advantge ...get straight to c a specialist. Disadvantage ....may get numerous tests and medications as all private medical care.
That sounds costly, is it very expensive?
Do you have to wait long before you get an appointment?
I imagine it could be good and effective.
So long as you are happy with this and you see the same person it is probably a good system.
But what happens to people who have no money?
Hi Kathleen,
Tell me about it You are indeed lucky. I really miss my sympathetic GP Yea, I did get very low afterwards...as I did after seeing the Rheumatologist. See the GP again in August, so ....wait and see what the Rheumatologist's letter says, but from the meeting, he wanted to double my HRT which I don't think she was very happy about. Probably cause they're not happy with prescribing HRT either.
That is brilliant service with your specialist too
If you, or he, come up with any bright ideas for OP please share
Hope your day going ok....cooler dramatically here and we have just had some rain, so it saves trying to water the garden! lol
Kind Regards
Carrie
I need this doctor's name and location......!!! OH HOW I WISH!!!
I'm SOOO happy for you!!!
Jill
Thanks. I feel lucky to have such a lovely GP.
I realise not everyone does, unfortunately!
I am in Australia if you are thinking of emigrating lol!
Hehe. How is your country doing? Mine is progressively going downhill. It's quite discouraging. Wonder if my family would pack up and move with me?!?!! Oh hum....
Smiles,
Jill
What country are you in again?
Australia is still the lucky country and hoping it stays that way!
We have more to celebrate than to complain about but nothing is perfect.
You are so lucky Kathleen wish my doctors were like yours regards Linda
So sorry Linda that you do not have the care I receive.
How are you going with your osteoporosis?
The United States.
I really would love to visit Australia sometime!
It can get expensive without medical insurance. getting appointments depend on how good (or perceived greatness) the consultant is...i was given an apointment 4 months away, until i explained that the rheum had spoken to the ENT man directly and I was told to contact his clinic for an urgent appointment, so i got an appoinment a week later.
Most appoinnments are at a weeks notice but you do get to see the consultant of your choice (unless they are on holiday). Good for continuity.
If you have no insurance and cant afford private hospitals you go to the Health Centres or to the governemnt hospital (only 1)